{"content_id":"1771355","content_type":"product"}
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Reviews
- Hwahae UserCombination SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinAtopic SkinRecommendedAug 15, 2018
I've tried many Paula's Choice products, excluding the more intense AHA and BHA lines, and surprisingly, there are quite a few with less-than-ideal ingredients. This one, however, has pretty good ingredients, even though it contains phenoxyethanol. Some products claim to be free of 20 harmful ingredients, yet they're still so irritating. This isn't gentle enough for use on super sensitive skin. If you have blemishes or extremely dry skin, you might feel a burning sensation. It can also feel sticky on the surface while causing deep dryness. However, when your skin is in good condition, it's moisturizing and the brightening effect is better than expected. I found that I liked it more towards the end of the bottle than when I first started using it. If you apply too much, it pills like an eraser. The texture is very sticky, so it can attract dust to your face. I think I used too much - about a 3cm circle in the palm of my hand, instead of just a few drops like others recommend. Also, the product sticks around the bottle opening and hardens like gelatin. This is probably because it's a dropper type and some product gets left behind each time. Towards the end of the bottle, no matter how much you press the dropper button on the cap, nothing comes up. So thinking there's not much left, if you open the cap completely and tap it into your palm, a huge amount pours out. Basically, the dropper function doesn't work well until the very end. For those with good skin condition, this could be an excellent and effective gentle brightening moisturizer. If you have oily skin, it might clog pores and cause excess oil and blemishes, so use very sparingly. For dry skin, it could cause tightness and dryness, so make sure to layer with a rich moisturizer first. I wouldn't strongly recommend it for those with super sensitive skin. If you do use it, only apply a small amount when your skin is in good condition. In terms of brightening effectiveness alone, the Caudalie serum I used for a long time was better, but this product is gentler for its brightening power. It still has good brightening effects. For an even gentler option, there's Beyond's Phyto White line. It's less effective but much gentler, just for reference. - Hwahae UserCombination SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinRecommendedMay 8, 2018
This product contains high concentrations of arbutin and niacinamide. Knowing that whitening ingredients typically show results after about a month of use on our skin, I used it for that long. The effects are definitely there, though don't expect instant results like laser treatments. You'll notice a subtle brightening effect immediately, and after a month, I can see my brown spots and freckles have faded. I'm 500% going to repurchase this. I've tried other brands' whitening lines, but never saw any notable effects. After much thought, I've concluded it's about how well they've formulated the same ingredients - it's a matter of technological prowess. If you're looking for a whitening line, focus more on the formulation technology of whitening ingredients rather than natural derivatives. In my case, I use this essence along with a whitening booster, spot treatment, sleeping pack, a hydrating green tea cream, and to prevent dead skin cells from building up, I use apricot seed oil and AHA/BHA products. I'm using these to the limit my skin can handle. The effectiveness of whitening products depends on how well you understand their use and characteristics, your skin condition, and for women, it's best to use them in sync with your hormonal cycle to boost results by about 1.5 times. Hope this helps! The price is a bit steep, but using 4 drops at a time, it's not as wasteful as I thought. The texture is slightly oily, so it applies well. However, some people might not tolerate arbutin well, so it's best to start with one drop and gradually increase for skin adaptation. I experienced some blemishes initially, but it's fine now. I'm using various whitening products for an overall brightening effect. Not sure if this will help, but here are the products I use in order: Sidmool Apricot Seed Oil - COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Toner - COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid - COSRX AHA 7 Whitehead Power Liquid - Nature Galato Tonic Skin Essence - COSRX Niacinamide 10% Booster - Miba Broccoli Original Booster - COSRX Whitening Essence (the product reviewed here) - Hanyul Pure Artemisia Fluid - Tonymoly Chok Chok Green Tea Watery Cream - COSRX Whitening Mask - Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Mist - COSRX Vitamin C Spot Treatment I use all of these, but skip the exfoliating products when my skin feels sensitive. I use broccoli extract instead of lemon extract as it's rich in vitamin C but less irritating. Hope you all become skin beauties! Whitening products work well with exfoliation, but if you have sensitive skin, gradually increase the amount. Sunscreen is a must when using whitening products - avoid sun exposure as much as possible. I even use blue light protection. Summer (July-August) isn't ideal for whitening treatments due to increased UV exposure and sebum production. I plan to pause in summer and resume in September. Best of luck with your skincare journey! - Hwahae UserCombination SkinSensitive SkinAtopic SkinFeb 10, 2018
This stuff is the real deal. Of all the brightening essences I've used, nothing has been as gentle as this. There's absolutely zero irritation - not even the slightest tingle. Amazingly, after about 3 days, I could actually feel my complexion becoming more radiant. I've finally found my holy grail product. Just applying this alone makes my skin incredibly hydrated and gives me that coveted glow. There wasn't really anything disappointing about it, but... I suppose the price is a bit steep? Also, it felt a bit heavy for morning use... Better suited for nighttime care. Don't get too greedy - about 4 drops seems to be the right amount. After dropping it on and gently patting, you can feel it rising from deep within the skin. - hj*******Combination SkinJun 29, 2017
I came across this whitening serum while searching, and decided to use it because the reviews were good and the price was relatively affordable. In conclusion, it seems to be a cost-effective product, so I recommend it. I apply this product first thing after my morning and evening cleansing routine, and I noticed my complexion improving after the first week of use. As is typical of whitening products, there is no sudden whitening effect, but with consistent use, my skin appears more radiant. While my skin tone is not particularly dark, it does have a yellowish undertone. Using this serum, I feel the yellowish cast has reduced, and there is a slight pinkish base to my skin. Recently, during a trip, I was exposed to a lot of sunlight, and I didn't have my usual face mask with me, so I applied a generous amount of this serum, and it seemed to help. As is common with whitening products, there is a tendency for the skin to become dry. When I didn't follow up with thorough moisturization in the beginning, I noticed an emphasis on blackheads on my nose area. I would recommend using this serum along with a moisturizing cream or serum. - Hwahae UserCombination SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinMay 2, 2017
After seeing fullbuster's review, I purchased this product. Even with my sensitive skin, there is no irritation and the appropriate viscosity allows for quick absorption. It's been just under a month since I started using it, and I feel like my overall skin tone has become brighter compared to before. The reddish blemishes and the freckles that recently appeared around my eyes have also faded a bit. It lacks moisture, so it's best to apply a cream on top after absorbing it. I'd recommend using it only at night before bed, if possible. If you do apply it during the day, be sure to thoroughly apply sunscreen as well. - Hwahae UserDry SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinApr 9, 2017
I purchased it for 58,000 won and it seems to be quite moisturizing and suitable for dry skin. I plan to repurchase it once I finish the current one. It was satisfactory and seemed to suit my dry skin well. 
ob******Oily SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinAtopic SkinApr 1, 2017When you look at the ingredients, other cosmetics talk about whitening and whatnot, but after trying this, you'll realize that this is the one you have to buy. The whitening and moisturizing combination is also well-formulated. However, no matter how good the ingredients are, you shouldn't use too much. The ingredients towards the end can be sensitive, so a little goes a long way. This is the best whitening essence. Since I haven't been using it for very long, it's difficult to judge if there are any issues like trouble, itchiness, or redness. While there are moisturizing ingredients, it can be drying, so it's best to seal it in with an oil or cream. - Hwahae UserCombination SkinSensitive SkinAcne SkinMar 1, 2017
It has good spreadability and even better absorption. It doesn't cause any breakouts, and most importantly, my skin has become brighter. Those with extremely dry skin may find it drying. 
Hwahae UserOily SkinJan 20, 2017The brightening effect has been noticeable to others since I've been using it for about 5 days!!!!!! It's non-irritating and absorbs quickly as it's lightweight. I can apply other base products right after using it without any issues. (Update 3.5: I'm still using it, but I'm not sure if I'm using too little or if the volume is just large ㅋㅋㅋㅋ Anyway, the areas on my skin with blemishes and pigmentation have faded significantly. I also feel like it's helping to even out my skin tone. About 0.5 tone difference! Overall, my complexion looks more uniform and not blotchy.) Those who dislike lightweight/watery textures may not like it....I guess? But I love it ㅋㅋㅋ
